A CONCURRENT RESOLUTION DECLARING MARCH 26, 1999, AS STAND UP FOR RURAL MISSISSIPPI DAY.

WHEREAS, there are over sixty not-for-profit community-based development groups hard at work to improve housing and economic conditions in Mississippi's rural communities, while preserving their natural and cultural heritage, and the values and quality of life that define rural Mississippi; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi's not-for-profit community-based developers have been duly recognized as leaders in development in Mississippi, and their effort and determination are appreciated by members of the Mississippi Legislature and the thousands of Mississippians they represent; and

WHEREAS, Mississippi community-based developers have demonstrated their ability to address the needs of Mississippi's rural population for affordable housing, economic opportunity and essential services when given the resources to do the job by having developed housing units, helped Mississippians buy homes, assisted businesses and created jobs; and

WHEREAS, in furtherance of these efforts, Mississippi's community-based development groups support the Stand Up for Rural America campaign, a national initiative to strengthen rural community-based development organizations and secure additional federal, banking and philanthropic resources to help them do their work; and

WHEREAS, to promote greater awareness of the needs of rural Mississippians, Mississippi's community-based development organizations and Stand Up for Rural America are recognizing March 26, 1999, as Stand Up for Rural Mississippi Day:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES CONCURRING THEREIN, That we do declare this 26th day of March, 1999, as Stand Up for Rural Mississippi Day, a day when all Mississippians celebrate the accomplishments of these community developers, recognize the need for more private and public support for their efforts and call on the federal government, banks and philanthropies to invest more resources in these groups which help Mississippians help themselves.